I came upon a thought-provoking quote this week on social media compliments of Rick Coulon: "So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when the time comes, they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home." So said Tecumseh.
This past year I lost my dad and my nephew, and this past weekend I found out one of my best friends has stage 3 melanoma cancer. Ever since I hit 50 years old, I've found myself looking over the obituaries in the Atlanta Journal/Constitution almost daily, something I never did before. Maybe it is a morbid thought but every day I am getting one step closer to death, be it tomorrow or in fifty years. It makes me think, what will be my legacy? What will I regret? What will I cherish? Will I be prepared? How can I live this moment in a way that truly matters? Tecumseh's words indeed remind me of my calling as a follower of Jesus-to serve boldly, love deeply, create beauty, and "sing" life with utter joy.
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:13-16
Prayer for Today
O God, help us to be salt that give flavor and light that shines brightly. May that be our legacy. Amen.
